More than 100,000 Kia cars urgently recalled in Australia over dangerous defect

Kia Australia has recalled a total of 104,101 vehicles across numerous model lines as an electrical short circuit could occur and ignite a fire, even when the vehicle is switched off.

The recall affects previous-generation examples of the Rio, Soul, Optima, Sportage, Sorento and Rondo.

Kia Australia is advising owners not to park their vehicles near any flammable structures or in an enclosed space like a garage.

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“The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System, can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off,” the company says in its recall notices for these vehicles.

“If moisture enters the HECU, an electrical short circuit can occur.

“If an electrical short circuit occurs, this could result in an engine compartment fire when the key is switched off and the vehicle is parked.

“A vehicle fire could increase the risk injury or death to vehicle occupants or bystanders and/or damage to property.”

Kia says it’s contacting all known owners of affected vehicles by direct mail.

If you own an affected vehicle, you’ll need to contact a Kia Australia to organise a free inspection and repair.

If you have any further questions about the recall, you can contact Kia Customer Service on 131 542.

Here are the details for each of the separate recalls:

Rio

• UB series
• 40,325 vehicles affected, built between 2011 and 2016
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

Cerato

• TD series
• 18,832 vehicles affected, built between 2009 and 2013
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

Optima

• TF series
• 7086 vehicles affected, built between 2010 and 2015
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

Sportage

• 2620 KM-series vehicles built in 2009
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

• 12,685 SL-series vehicles built between 2009 and 2013
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

• 5858 SL-series vehicles built between 2013 and 2014
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

Sorento

• XM series
• 12,990 vehicles affected, built between 2010 and 2014
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

Soul

• AM series
• 1070 vehicles affected, built between 2010 and 2013
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

Rondo

• 1163 UN-series vehicles built between 2009 and 2012
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

• 1472 RP-series vehicles built between 2012 and 2018
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here